CSCI: Services must do more to meet needs of BME users

A Commission for Social Care Inspection snapshot poll has found that only half of black and minority ethnic service users feel their needs are adequately considered by services.

Interviews with 63 BME people also revealed that one quarter said they had faced prejudice or discrimination when using services. This included direct discrimination, such as verbal abuse, and indirect, such as the failure of services to provide information in a person’s preferred language.

The bulletin calls for social care services to take a systematic approach to breaking down barriers and delivering more personalised services for black and minority ethinic people. This should include reviewing policy and practice, providing opportunities for all staff to develop their understanding of race equality and inviting feedback from black and minority ethnic service users.

CSCI chair Denise Platt, said: “Black and minority ethnic people should feel that their individual needs are being met, rather than providers making assumptions about their cultural requirements.”